Divisions

Accessibility

Jayna L. Turchek, Esq. - Director of Accessibility

The Accessibility Division ensures that all Worcester residents and visitors with disabilities have access to city programs and services by providing information and referral, advocacy, outreach and educational programs. In addition, this office:

Provides services and referrals to the roughly 25% of the Worcester population with disabilities and their families;
Monitors the city's development for the proper accessibility protocols;
Encourages public awareness of disability issues;
Reviews and make recommendations about policies, procedures, services and activities of city departments and agencies as they affect people with disabilities;
Works in cooperation with city departments and agencies to bring about full and equal participation by people with disabilities;
Advises and assists city officials and employees in ensuring compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations that affect people with disabilities;
Provides information, referrals, guidance and technical assistance to individuals, public agencies, businesses and organization in all matters pertaining to disabilities on a confidential and free basis.

Elder Affairs & Senior Center

Amy Vogel Waters - Director

The key to healthy aging is staying active in mind and body. Our cutting-edge senior center provides countless opportunities for seniors to take "new directions" to maintain their health. Located at 128 Providence St., the Senior Center is a bright and welcoming place for all seniors, their families and caregivers, elder service providers and the community at large.

Health and wellness programs, screenings and services
Fitness and exercise classes
Nutritious hot lunch by reservation
Bobby M's Diner for drop-in eating
Support groups
Information and advocacy for individuals
Outreach to vulnerable and isolated seniors
Educational and cultural arts programs
Multi-cultural and intergenerational activities
Computer lab and instruction
Craft classes
Library
Billiards, ping pong and other games
Formal and informal recreation and socialization
Volunteer opportunities
Transportation assistance
Office and meeting space rental for providers of services to seniors
Landscaped grounds and community garden

Human Rights

Jayna L. Turchek, Esq. - Director

The Office of Human Rights serves residents and visitors who live, work, and do business in Worcester. The Office of Human Rights strives to ensure that all city residents are treated fairly and equally by working to reduce bigotry, discrimination, intolerance and prejudice. There are times when members of our community face challenges to their most basic human rights: housing, employment, and access to public services, through outreach, educational programs, events and advocacy the office promotes ways to increase respect in our community and safeguards full and equal access and opportunity for all. The office receives and investigates complaints, resolves cases through mediation and advocates in support of human rights issues in partnership with local, state and federal organizations and agencies.

Advocacy

Advocate for the human and civil rights of ALL residents of the City
Provide referrals to local, state and/or federal agencies
Work with municipal departments, boards and commissions, city businesses, and agencies and organizations to increase compliance with local, state and federal laws as well as to raise the level of awareness and sensitivity to human and civil rights issues

Educational Efforts

Provide community educational forums to raise awareness about human rights
Educate residents about bias and hate crimes

Complaints & Intakes

Respond to complaints of human rights violations
Conduct intakes with individuals (in-person or over the phone) who feel as though their human rights are being violated or that they are the victims of discrimination

Public Health

Michael P. Hirsh, M.D. - Medical Director
Soloe Dennis, M.S., M.E.P. - Director

The City of Worcester Division of Public Health is the first nationally accredited health department in Massachusetts as well as the only multi-jurisdictional accredited health department in the country.

The Public Health Division is the lead agency of the Central MA Regional Public Health Alliance (CMRPHA). The CMRPHA is a coalition of four municipalities (Towns of Grafton, Shrewsbury, West Boylston and the City of Worcester) working cooperatively to create and sustain a viable, cost-effective, and labor-efficient regional public health district.

Vision: The CMRPHA is a region where community voice is valued and all people have the opportunity to be healthy.

Mission: To equitably improve health outcomes and quality of life for all residents by providing high quality, data-driven, public health leadership and services.

Veterans Services

Alex R. Arriaga - Veterans' Services Officer/Director

The Veterans' Services Division provides support to residents of Worcester who are veterans, currently serving members of the military and their families. Support services vary based on individual circumstances but may include financial aid, reimbursement of medical costs and referral services for a variety of issues such as housing, employment and education.

In conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services, the City of Worcester takes applications and disperses veterans’ benefits (also known as “Chapter 115 Benefits”) enacted through Chapter 115 of the Massachusetts General Law.

Once benefits are established or if found ineligible, the Veterans’ Services Division assists clients in finding more permanent solutions to meet their needs by referring clients to a variety of social service agencies and programs such as Workforce Central, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, and the Worcester Housing Authority.

Additionally, the staff serves as liaison to the Worcester Veterans' Council and the City Council’s Subcommittee for Veteran and Military Affairs. The City, through Veterans' Services, also sponsors the Veterans' Day and Memorial Day parades. The Veterans’ Services Division and their community partners serve as caretakers of all veterans' memorials and graves.

Youth Opportunities

Raquel Castro-Corazzini - Director

The City of Worcester's Division of Youth Opportunities (DYO) was created to provide leadership, support and advocacy for youth through the introduction of coordinated programs focused on positive youth development and youth employment.

Since its inception in 2008, the DYO has been involved in numerous strategies to support various youth employment and youth development initiatives, thus ensuring that young people have access to meaningful employment, recreation, and educational opportunities in the city.

Contact Information

Health & Human Services
City Hall Room 101
455 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01608

Accessible via WRTA Bus Line. View Schedules

Phone: 508-799-8486
Fax: 508-799-1218
Email Us

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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